Where Accurate Mass Matters: Intro to High-resolution Mass Spec for Real-time Air AnalysisEmerging Environmental Applications for High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Oral Presentation
Prepared by A. Koss1, V. Pospisilova2, M. Abou-Ghanem1
1 - Tofwerk USA, 2760 29th St, Suite 2E, Boulder, CO, 80301, United States
2 - Tofwerk AG, Schorenstrasse 39, Thun, CH-3645, Switzerland
Contact Information: [email protected]; 720-531-2529
ABSTRACT
High-resolution mass spectrometry has been a well-established, essential technique in atmospheric sciences for many years. Tofwerk AG first brought high-resolution mass spec to atmospheric applications more than 15 years ago, and has since been a leader in pushing it from laboratory to field research to routine monitoring applications.
In this talk, I will give an overview of what can be measured in air with Tofwerk mass spectrometry, in both gas and particle phase. I’ll show where these techniques fall along the pipeline of prototype research tool to standardized monitoring technique, and discuss the challenges we’ve overcome to make the transition from research to monitoring. Topics will include tradeoffs between resolving power and instrument size, cost, and robustness; advances in software; and an insider look into how new capability is developed.
We’ll then take a look which applications require accurate mass, which are easy, and which are hard, including some fun real-world examples from mobile laboratory, wildfire smoke, and consumer products.
